WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at Whatever point arising, as a carriage as by the roughness of the roads over which it runs.' —John Beattie Crozier.
Transport Between Wales and Somerset.
The -Taunton branch of the National Farmers' Union granted, at a .recent meeting, the' request of Captain G. W. Doagies, . of the \\ratchet, Shipping and Transport Co., to speak on the advantages. of the new transport service ;shortly to he. started by the company between, •Watchet and Cardiff. He claimed that the service would bring the wholesale Merchants of Cardiff and ether South Wales towns into close touch with the agricultural-producing •areas on the Somerset and Devon side of the channel. His company intend .running a road transport service covering practically the whole of the wide area between Newton Abbot in Devon and. Bridgwater in Somerset, establishing centres for the reception of fruit, vegetables, dairy produce, etc., at Taunton, Exeter, Tiverton, and other places.
Answering questions Captain Douglas said the transport ratea would be below railway charges, and considerably less as the trade developed. The, time occupied in transporting produce from Taunton to Cardiff would be exactly seven hours. The South Wales market, he added, was open, and contracts with sound buyers could be entered into, either direct or
through clearing-houses. At present Cardiff imported 95 per cent, of its food supplies from such ports as Bristol, London and Liverpool, and fruit and vegetables from Hereford and Gloucestershire. There was a big opportunity for West Somerset and Devon predncera to get,a substantial-ehare of-that trade. Captain Douglas was thanked for his addrese, in the subject of which members evinced keen interest.
Municipal Motor Experiences.
In his annual report, the Glasgow Corporation cleansing superintendent says the mechanical vehicles in use by the cleansing department for the collection and disposal of refuse are One 3-ton petrol motorvan, acquired in 1913, end 22 2-ton electric motor wagons, acquired during the years 1916 to 1921. Of the latter, eight were acquired duiing the year 1919-20, and,a, further eight during the year 1920-21. Within the experience of the department petrol vehicles have not proved entirely suitable for the work of refuse collection, the cost being considerably higher than that of either horse or electric traction.
Electric vehicles, on the other hand, have given satisfactory results, having been found efficient, reliable, economical and easily driven. More economical re colts could be achieved with these machines were the practice adopted which holds good in the case of horsed vehicles—namely, that the driver should assist in the loading and packing of the vehicle. At present the electrice• require a•" loader and packer ". in addition to the driver, which method adds considerably to the cost.
The 5-ton Foden steam wagon, acquired in 1920, has also been engaged at the work of refuse removal, the results being entirely satisfactory. This
B20 machine is also used as a general-utility vehicle for the conveyance of grain, etc., from the estates of the department, and varied work of a like nature.
The fleet of petrol motor street-sweeping machines sow in possession of the department numbers 13. Four new Lacre machines of the latest type were purchased during the year, and one of the oldest machines, Which had done good service, discarded. The results obtained contine3e to compare very favourably with horse haulage.
Bath Mail Service.
The new motor mail van service for Bath and district is preying highly successful. There is. more expedition in the collection and delivery of the mails, and it is estimated that the van will result in the saving of at least £1,000 to Bath alone.
Traffic Comparisons.
Reporting on the amount of traffic in the St. Thomas rural area, the surveyor recently informed the St. Thomas Rural Council that the heaviest motor traffic occurred at East Budleigh, and the heaviest horsed traffic on the road leading into Whinmle.
Narrow Roads and Coach Traffic.
At a meeting of the Hatfield Rural District Council, it was decided to Etsk the county council to apply for an order from the Ministry of Transport to close the ridgeway at Northaw an' the road from Northaw to Cntffey Station to motor char-a-banes traffic so long as the road remains in its present condition.
The metal surface on this road varies in measurement from 11 ft. to 13 ft., and its width at one part, where there is a dangerous corner, is only 8 ft. 3 ins.
Motor Hire-purchase Finance.
A new company known as Car Services, Ltd., has just been registered with s capital of £20,000. The main objects sf the eoncern, it is stated, are to assist in the development of road mechanical transport by facilitating the hire-purchase of motor vehicles.
Mr. .E. S. Shrannell-Srnith, C.B.E., one of the directors, . has stated that "the company is a finance corporation, not a transport company, and is'iormed chiefly to guarantee the performance of hirespurchase contracts in all classes of vehicles "
The directors of the new company are also directors of the Car and General Insurance Corporation.
Southend Cab Fares. .
A committee of the Southend Town Council has further considered the question of charges made for the use of hackney carriages in the borough, and it is of opinion that the kale of charges now in operation should be modified as hum January 1st next, and from That date the charges will be as• follow :—Motor vehicles, 1s. 6d. for the first mile or part thereof, and 9d. for any distance beyond this up to half a mile; for horse-drawn Vehicles, is. 6d. for the first mile or part thereof, and 1s. for each subsequent mile or part of •a mile.
5,000 Visiting Vehicles Expected.
In anticipation of a big influx of motor traffic at Preston during Guild Week. particularly on the three show days, the municipal authority has arranged for the establishment uf seven motor parks in various parts of the town to accothmodate in all some 5,000 vehicles.
The Chief Constable of Preston has provided us with the following details of traffic arrangements for Guild Week :—
The police and proprietors of motor : chars-it-bancs and other vehicles in other towns and districts will be,notified of the various parks for their vehicles in visiting Preston during the Guild Week, and will be invited, in order to facilitate matters and assist. the constable on point duty, to have a slip pasted on the vehicle indicating whether the vehicle is proceeding "for the Guild Celebrations or the, Agricultural Show " or 'passing through." The traffic arrangements are :
All vehicles coming from Blackpool and district :—(1) For the Agricultural Show, shall proceed along Long Lane, Roebuck Street, 'Brook ,Street to Addison Road motorbus park. (2) Those attending the: Guild Celebrations, shall proceed via Tulketh Road and Strand Road to the Hartington Road motorbus park.
Motors from Liverpool, Southport and South of the Ribble :--(1) Those proceeding to the Agricultural Show shall proceed by, Fishergate Hill and along the route laid out to the show ground and park at the Addison Road or North End motorbus park. (2) Those attending the Guild Celebrations shall proceed to the Hartington Road motorbus park.
Motors from Manchester, Bolton, Wigan entering by London Road :-(1) Those going to the Agricultural Show shall proceed via London Road, Stanley Street, Mill Bank, Deepdale Road, to the main entrance to the show ground, parking at the Addison Road or North End bus parks, excepting when the streets are closed for processions, when they will be diverted by direction of the police. (2) Those attending the Guild Celebrations will be. parked in Selbourne Street and • Frenchwood, and other streets adjoining as directed by the police. Motors frone Blackburn and district entering by •New, Hall Lane are to use vacant land near the Cliff Mill as a motorbus park. All vehicles from the north entering by Gersten Road will use Addison Road motorbus park. Those entering Deepdale Road are to use the spare land war Mirth End as a nark. The Preston Guild is an event of historical importance, having, originated a few centuries ago, and is held once every 20 years. For this week the whole town
is on holiday. .
Free provision of motor vehicles for the Preston Guild e Torchlight Procession is being arranged by the Commercial Motor Usei's Association.
A popular circular drive, embracing the chief points of interest, has been added to the Eastbourne Corporation motorbus services. A reduction in fares has been made on the ordinary routes.
: Birkenhead. Bus Profits.
Th0 accounts ofthe Birkenhead -Corporation motor omnibus service tor the past year show a gross profit of £10,802., which, after deducting 2,451 for interest and sinking fund charges, leaves a net profit of -8,351, which has been disposed of by the purchase of three additional buses for £2,520, and a contribu tion in aid •of rates cif £531. During the past seven years the department has contributed to rate relief : Tramways, £30.635; buses (two years' operation), £7,682. The total number of passengers carried by tramcar during the year was 17,966,065, and the mileage covered 1,150,558. The motorbuses ml the same period carried 2,256,863 passengers, and ran 308,597 miles. The tram figures in mileage and number are a decrease on the previous year.
Provincial Cab Fares.
The taaicab fares in Southport, in common with other places, were increased during the war period, owing to the higher cost of everything, but ne. general move has yet been made with regard to a reduction. The rates operating in Southport are: 1s. 6d. for the first mile or part of a mile, anct 3d. for every sixth of a mile afterwards. Double these amounts are charged after midnight, and waiting time is charged at the rate of 6s. an hour.
The fares for taxicabs have been reduced in Shrewsbury. The taxi fare is is. 6d. for the first mile and 6d. per mile after, while for cabs the rate is Is. for The first mile. The recognized mile is the same from all the stands, namely, the railway station, St. Mary's Street, and the Square.
Blackpool's Satisfaction.
In his annual report on the work of the Cleansing Department of the Blackpool Corporation, of which the is superintendent, Mr. James Bee writes in terms of praise of the usefulness of some of the mechanically propelled vehicles used in the town in connection with the work of street cleansing.
A new Karrier combined sweeping and collecting machine was obtained in February .of last year, he says, and has proved a considerable acquisition to the corporation'-s .streetscleansing plant; Mr. Bee also 'mentions that the Laffiy motor sweeping machine continues to render invaluable assistance in street cleansing. It may be added that Blackpool Corporation employs two electrically propelled street sprinklers which are used during the summer months, and. which in winter are converted into lor ries for the removal of refuse. In addition the corporation utilizes six 2_ton electric vehicles for the removal of refuse.
Buses on Hire.
Warrington Corporation Tramways Committee has decided to hire a motorbus from the Liverpool Corporation, which offered to lean two. vehicles, with a seating capacity of 38, at a charge of 6d. a mile, such charge to cover depreciation and tyres, but no other running expenses, repairs or drivers' Wages, it being also stipulated that at lead 60 miles a day be run. The corporation is asking the Manchester Corporation for its terms for the loan of buses.
. Municipal ..Competition.
At a meeting.Of .the Glasgow Corporation Cleansing Committee the ,Scottish Traction Engine Owners' and Users' Association complained that the corporation was hiring out its threshing mill to farmers in the rieighbOurhood of the cleansing department's farms, and was thus competing against threshing mill owners in the district. Unless the practice was stopped, it was stated that the Association would take legal proceedings to compel the corporation to stop this procedure. The committee left the matter in the hands of the town clerk, with authority to take such action as be may consider advisable.
The Samuelson Receivership.
Mr. C. S. Windsol, who, it will be recollected, was appointed receiver and manager for the debenture holders of the Samuelson Transport Co., Ltd., a month ago, has now retired from this position after rearranging the company's affairs, the recei vership now being vested in Sir Reginald Brade. Mr. Windsor's return was a temporary expedient for the benefit of the Samuelson Transport Co., and
was against medical advice. We are given to understand that Mr. Windsor will now cornplete,his convalescence, and will return to business in approximately six weeks.
. De Dion Prices Down.
De Dieu Bouton, Ltd., 10, Great Marlborough StreA, Regent Street, London,
• W. 1, advise us that the following are the current retail prices for D.D.B. commercial chassis :—
30-40-cwt. model 11.0.' with seven 895 mm, by 135 mm. Michelin pneumatic or six 900 rem. by 120 mm. Ducas
ble solid tyres ... ... £625 3-ton model P.R., with six solid tyres ...
4-ton model FR, with seven 955 mm. by 155 mm. Michelin pneumatic tyres
5-ton model P.S., with six solid
tyres •-• 35 h.p. G.Q.3 cbaraliabancs chassis, with , seven 955 mm.
by 155 mm. pneumatic tyres... £795 £740 £8.00
Agricultural Traffic and Road Closing.
On the question of scheduling of roads for exclusion of heavy motor traffic it is feared that if county cou.ncils schedule rural roads it would prohibit the use of mechanically propelled engines for threshing, hauling, steam ploughing, etc. The Natioaal Farmers' Union has declined the invitation of the National Traction Engine Owners' and Users' Association to bear part of the expense of inspecting roads and preparing evidence against the proposal, but suggests that county branches may find it of advantage to co-oriate with the Traction Engine Association in the way indicated.
The New Great West Road.
A length of about a mile of the New Great West Road, between Syon Lane and Thonibury Road,. was opened to vehicular traffic on August 21st. Mr. A. Dryland, M.I.C.E., the county surveyor of Middlesex, invites users to run along the new road in order that they may get some idea of what the surface will be like when it is entirely completed. Notices are erected at the foot of Syon Lane, the approach from the Bath road at the eastern end (which needs careful negotiating), and at the foot of Thornbary Road, the approach at the western end. By about the end of September, a further half-mile will be opened to Jersey Road.
A Journal on Bearings.
British Timken, Ltd., Ward End, Birmingham, have just issued an interesting and valuable publication entitled "The British Timken Engineering Journal," which has been issued for the use of engineers and works managers. This book is intended to supply concise but full information on fitting practices, machining allowances, adjust-raenta, lubrication, etc., with reference to Timken bearings, in order to enable the type of mounting to be selected best suited to the special conditions, and to ensure that the users of Timken bearings obtain the maximum possible serVice from them. The book contains a num
ber of useful diagrams as well as a host of informative items relating to bearinas and their applications.
The Motor Exhibition.
Intimation has been received by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders that the king has been gra ciously pleased to grant his patronage to this year's Motor Exhibition; which will be opened to the public on Friday, November .3rd. It is hoped that the extensions in hand at Olympia will be completed in time for. the Show
Australian Imports.
Speaking in the House of Representatives, the Australian Minister of Customs recently stated that the question of increasing the duties on spare parts of motor cars had been referred to the Tariff Board for investigation and report. The Customs Department has revoked the proclamation of February 16th, 1921, prohibiting. the importation of goods bearing the word "-Bosch "
Opposing Sunday Bus Services.
Strong feeling of indignation has been aroused at Barry by the council yielding to pressure of Nonconformist deputations, and threatening at the annual review of omnibus licences to stipulate that no Sunday services shall be run by local bus proprietors.
-At a public meeting, held at Barry Island, Mr. J. T. Muslin,, a niember of the Barry council, who has taken up an attitude strongly in favour of Sunday services, said that at the meeting of the council the Nonconformist deputations tharlbeen allowed to have their own Nv ay. Ile had issued a challenge to the Free Churches Council that he would contest an election on the question of Sunday buses alone against their nominee. Although the challenge had been issued a, week, nothing had matured. He was certain the public favoilred the Sunday services, and that 80 per cent, would vote in its favour.
The matter of Sunday services was also raised at the Parks, Licensing and Public Works Committee meeting.
The Cadoxton bus proprietors, who are chiefly affected by the Barry Council's decision point out. that buses may still run in from Cardiff, Newport and outside places, and that they alone are victimized. The local branch of the Proprietors' Association is to take action in the matter.
Correct Lubrication.
It is quite impossible to overestimate the importance of the lubrication of the working parts of a commercial vehicle chassis, and any of our readers who may be in doubt on this point should secure a. copy of the new edition of "Correct Lubrication," which has just been issued by the Vacuum Oil Co., Ltd., Caxton House, Westminster, London, S.W., for it contains much helpful and valuable in formation dealing with lubrication generally. It should be of considerable use to a commercial vehicle users, especially the chart of recommendations which it contains, wherein is shown the particular type of lubricant which is best suited to various makes of commercial vehicles on the market.
Hackney Carriages as Goods Carriers.
Police Supt. Williams informed the Piinitypridd magistrates recently that the Ministry of Transport had issued a circular to the police -authorities ponting out the seriousness a offences by owners of motor vehicles licensed as hackney carriages who make deliveries as though the commercial vehicle licence had been taken out. People who did not transgress the law had made complaints to the Ministry that they were financially injured by the law breakers. A. number of hackney carriage owners appeared on summons for using the vehicles for commercial purposes. Some of the cases presented interesting fea tures. One defendant, a florist, was charged in respect of the delivery of a wreath at Treforest in his own ear. Counsel for this defendant pleaded that as his client had not made use of the ear for someone else, and had received no payment for its use, he did not come within the statute. The stipendiary, however, held an Opposite view.
lu another case, a Cardiff taxi-driver was employed to deliver newspaper parcels, the user of his vehicle being a passenger. In this case, also, an offence was held to have been committed.
No fines were imposed, however, the stipendiary remarking that novel points had been raised and as they were the first of the kind in the area a warning only, would be administered to defendants, who would have to'pay'costs.
Protecting Travellers' Interests.
Strenuous efforts are being made by the Hackney Carriage Committee of the Brandon and Byshottles Urban District Council to obtain from the numerous concerns running motorbuses in its area the very best possible, and at the same time the safest, services for the general public. The steps taken by this authority in order to secure this highly desired end are of particular interest as indicating, how local authorities can assist. in the organizing of passenger facilities in their own areas.
In the first place, the authority insists that all omnibus proprietors shall coilform to a 'recognized time-table, thus preventing racing and undesirable corn
petition; and, in the second place, it only issues licences for periods of three months, and bus proprietors are only given licences for the vehicles for which they make application at the periodical inspection by the hackney carriage official. In order to obtain further uniformity, it insists that all vehicles shall observe their times for running from the Durham Station clock. In any case of cessation of a service—for however short a period—notice must be given to the inspector, together with the reason for such action. This extremely useful list of rules was adopted at the last. meeting of the council, and should go far towards obtaining both safe and regular services for the people of the district.
Leo Swain and Co., Ltd., advise us that.they now have their new Liverpool depot at Central Chambers, Colquitt Street, in full working order, -where a powerful electrically driven press for fitting solid tyres is installed. The LeoscoLuohard air compressor can also he seen at the same address by these interested.
Welsh Councils' Bus Disagreement.
After several attempts to arrive at a compromise the long-standing dispute between the Bedwas and Caerphilly Councila concerning the respective bus cervices run by the . councils between Caerphilly-Bedwas,Trethomas has come to a head and legal action is imminent.
Some little time ago the Bedwas Council decided to ran a service without submitting the tinme schedule for the approval of the neighbouring authority. A letter has now been received from the Caerphilly Council, which states that in view of the action of the Bedwas authority no alternative is left to Caerphilly but to demand that on or before August, 23rd the Bedwas buses must cease running in the Caerphilly area. Failing observance Of this notice by the Bedwas Council, it was said, an application would immediately be made for an injiinction restricting the Bedwas service and a writ issued.
After discussion on the Caerphilly communication the Bedwas Council decided to continue running time buses as before and to disregard the letter. In-, structions were given to the clerk to take steps to resist. any legal application made by the Caerphilly Council.
A Preference for Pneumatictyred Buses.
The primitive and slow-moving bullock cart, and the man-drawn rickshaw of the East are being gradually ousted by motor-driven vehicles. In Selangor, one of the' Federated .Malay States, at the beginning of the year there were 202 commercial vehicles, including lorries. vans and traction engines, of which 129 were of British make. , Of 1,612 motorcars registered, only 287 were British.
In the State of Negri Semblan there are 19 motorbuses, 22 lorries and two vans in use, a. smaller number than a year ago, the change probably being due to the had conditions of trade in Malay Peninsula. All the heavy motorbuses in use were voluntarily taken off the •roads by the operating company before the end of June, and this has been responsible for a lighter type of bus running on
pneunt-naku coming into vogue.
Local Proceedings.
Warrington Corporation has purchased a Fiat 10-15 h.p. motorcar.
Sevenoaks Urban District Council proposes to purchase a 5-ton Sentinel steam wagon.
The Formby Urban District Council is considering the purchase of a motor fire-engine.
Sir Hugo Conliffe-Owen has presented a motor ambulance to the Newmarket Urban District. Council.
Kent County Council has authorized the purchase of a motorcar for the Faversham police division.
The Health Ministry has promised to sanction a loan if the Ossett Town Council purchases a motor ambulance.
The Stepney Borough Council has recoMmended the purchase of a Mann motor gully emptier at a price of 2960.
The accounts of the Todmorden Corporation motor omnibus services for the year ended: March 31st last show a surplus of 22,960.
Warrington Corporation Tramways Committee has accepted the quotation a the Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Co., Ltd., for motor omnibus insurance.
The Hothead.' Urban District Council has decided to purchase a new motor fire-engine and hre-bose.
The Ilkley Urban District Council has received the sanction of the Ministry of Health to borrow 21,805 for the purchase of a motor lire-engine.
At a meeting of the Warrington Watch Committee the chief constable re ported on an application from the Lancashire United Tramways, Ltd., for hackney carriage licences" for motor omnibuses and for drivers' and conductors' licences, and the committee decided to grant them.
Personal Par.
The subject of the portrait which we reproduce on this page is Mr. George F. French, the most efficient manager and chief engineer of Maidstone and District Motor Services, Ltd. Mr. French is a man who is not satisfied until he has discovered and overcome every little difficulty in the way of the smooth running and efficiency of the business which he controls. At this we cannot be surprised, considering that to him is due the building up of the company, in which work he has spent some 13 years in Maidstone. It is chiefly as a result of his efforts that the new bus station at Maidstone has been erected and that the system of booking on public-servicevehicles is. so successfully conducted.
A -Correction.
In the advertisement of Messrs. Willmott's, Percy Road, Uxbridge Road, London, 'W.12, in our last week's issue, an error occurred. Under the heading "Special This Week" the following ap peared; One only, 1918, 28-30-" h.p. chassis fitted brand-new 19-seater body. '
This should have read "25-30 h.p. chassis fitted with 14-seater body." The
price of the vehicle is 2475, at which figure it should interest 'motor coach proprietors.
Fifteen hundred scholars from Sunday schools of Scunthorpe, Lincoln, recently travelled in 30 motor chars-a-banes for their annual outing to Cleethorpes.